Lady wears Niobium

[SVanderkolff]

This little lady is perfect for either the ladies purse or the gentlemens poccket. The blade is damasteel the handle is mother of pearl, the liners are red and the bolsters are Niobium. Overall she is just 5 3/8" long. The sheath is also my own creation, just starting to learn the art of carving leather. Let me know what youthink please. I appreciate all comments.
Thanks
Steve

[Harry Mathews]

Nice looking knife Steve! How was the Niobium to work?

[SVanderkolff]

Thanks
The niobium is quite easy to work but has some interesting properties. It tends to work really cool until it get hot then it gets hot fast. So it goes from comfortable to burning with almost no transition. It also really sparks a lot. sands and polishes very easily. Ilike it. It will be interesting to see how it ages. I have a feeling it will be very much like the mokume in it gets more distinct as time passes.
Steve

[AUBE]

Very nice Steve!

I'm liking that Nb/copper bolster. I'm curious what finish the bolster has on it. The Nb. looks darker than a polish but lighter than if blackened with heat. Is it satin finish and appears dark in the photo or did you darken it somehow?

Also nice carving on the sheath.

[SVanderkolff]

All I did on the bolster was to hand sand it to 1000 grit and then lightly buff it with white rouge. I think over time the Nb will come out even more.
Steve